This episode delves into the extraordinary life of Hans Christian Andersen, tracing his journey from a poor shoemaker's son in Odense, Denmark, who made puppet costumes from scraps and created worlds beyond his humble single-room home, to a celebrated literary giant.

Discover how Andersen's imagination and resilience, evident in his unique paper-cut art, allowed him to overcome early rejections and hardships in Copenhagen. His bittersweet yet universally resonant fairy tales, like "The Ugly Duckling" and "The Little Mermaid," transformed his personal experiences into stories that speak to the soul, making him one of the first truly global authors.